You might think that because sushi is a raw fish dish, it’s not safe to eat while pregnant. But in fact, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy it when expecting. Provided you’re eating the right types of sushi and following a few simple rules about where and how it’s prepared, you should have no problem continuing to enjoy this tasty food well into your pregnancy. As long as you’re considering some key things—such as the type of fish, how fresh it is, and whether any sauces are made with raw eggs—eating cooked sushi while pregnant should pose no problems at all. Read on for more information about whether or not you can eat cooked sushi while pregnant and what else you need to know about this popular food choice if you’re expecting.
What’s the Difference Between Sushi and Sashimi?
Sushi is a type of Japanese food made with vinegared rice and other ingredients, including fish, vegetables, and eggs. While it’s usually served in bite-sized morsels, a full sushi meal can comprise several different types of sushi, typically including nigiri (fish), maki (sushi rolls), and temaki (hand rolls). Sashimi is a different type of Japanese dish that consists of sliced raw fish or other seafood served as an appetizer or as part of a full meal. When sushi is served as sashimi, it’s often called “sashimi salad” or “sushi salad”.
Why Is Raw Fish Bad for Pregnant Women?
Fish, in general, is a very healthy food choice, both when you’re not pregnant and when you are. But raw fish should be avoided by pregnant women, as it contains parasites that can cause a range of adverse health effects in the developing fetus. These parasites are killed by proper cooking, so there’s no risk of your fetus being harmed by properly cooked fish.
Which Types of Cooked Sushi Are Safe to Eat While Pregnant?
The best way to avoid the parasites associated with raw fish is to avoid raw fish—with one important exception: sushi. Fish used in sushi is always frozen before being served, which kills the harmful parasites found in raw fish. As such, fully cooked sushi is safe to eat while pregnant. Here are some common types of sushi that can be safely eaten while pregnant: – Sushi with cooked salmon, including: – Sushi with cooked tuna, including: – Sushi with cooked eel, such as: – Sushi with cooked prawns or scallops: – Sushi with cooked crab or lobster: – Sushi with cooked avocado:
How Is Sushi Made with Raw Eggs Safer When You’re Pregnant?
There are some sushi dishes that contain raw eggs—a fact that concerns many pregnant women, given the risks posed by salmonella and other food-borne illnesses. However, as long as the eggs are used in a cooked dish and not a raw one, there’s no danger of salmonella or other harmful pathogens being transmitted to the fetus.
Is It Safe to Eat Tempura While Pregnant?
Like sushi, tempura is a fully cooked dish. As such, there’s no reason why you need to avoid it entirely while pregnant. However, like all deep fried foods, tempura should be eaten in moderation, if at all, while pregnant.
Bottom line: Is Cooked Sushi Good for You When You’re Expecting?
While there are some ingredients to avoid when you’re pregnant, there are many others that are safe to eat. As long as you’re eating a variety of foods and keeping track of how much of each you’re consuming, there’s no reason why sushi shouldn’t be part of a healthy pregnancy diet. If you enjoy eating sushi and are prepared to follow the safety rules, there’s no reason why you can’t continue to enjoy it while expecting.